1. Workshop Process and Outcomes	1. 工作坊過程與成果
This year, I had the privilege of participating in Asia Link 2025, an international workshop held in Japan that brought together professors and students from six universities across Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and Thailand. Over the course of six days, we engaged in intensive cultural exchanges and in-depth professional discussions. Working closely with teammates from such diverse cultural backgrounds allowed me to experience vastly different design philosophies, aesthetic perspectives, and presentation styles. Each country’s approach to design reflected its unique cultural heritage, and observing these differences offered valuable inspiration for my own creative process.	今年，我有幸參加在日本舉辦的 Asia Link 2025 國際工作坊，與來自台灣、日本、韓國及泰國六所大學的教授與學生共同交流。在為期六天的活動中，我們進行了密集的文化交流與專業討論。與來自不同文化背景的夥伴合作，讓我深入體驗了截然不同的設計理念、美學觀點與表達方式。每個國家的設計方法都蘊含著獨特的文化底蘊，而觀察這些差異為我的創作帶來了寶貴的啟發。
The theme of this year’s workshop was “Traditional Tea Culture.” On the first day, the Japanese hosts arranged a cultural tea ceremony experience, where each group introduced their country’s traditional tea sets and tea leaves. I was fascinated by the variations in form, material, and usage among the tea sets, and I had the chance to taste a variety of teas, each with its own distinctive aroma and flavor profile.	今年工作坊的主題是 「傳統茶文化」。第一天，日本主辦方安排了一場茶道文化體驗，每個小組都展示了自己國家的傳統茶具與茶葉。我對四國茶具在造型、材質及使用方式上的差異深感興趣，並品嚐了各種風味獨特的茶飲，每一款茶都有其獨特的香氣與風味。
When we began our project discussions on the following day, my team quickly realized that we could merge Japan’s rich tea culture with interactive elements that resonate with younger audiences. This led to the development of our concept: Gacha.	第二天開始專案討論時，我們小組很快意識到，可以將日本的茶文化與年輕族群喜愛的互動元素結合，打造出兼具傳統底蘊與現代趣味的設計。最終，我們構思出一個名為 Gacha 的概念。
Gacha combines the ritual of tea drinking with the excitement of capsule toy vending machines. The core idea was to embed surprise and emotional value into the act of consumption. Even if customers did not receive the item they initially desired, they would still leave with something delightful and memorable, making the overall experience both satisfying and complete. We designed collectible capsules containing miniature figurines representing different countries, along with vouchers redeemable at partner beverage shops. This approach allowed customers to enjoy the fun of collecting while also receiving tangible benefits.	Gacha 將茶飲體驗與扭蛋機的驚喜樂趣結合起來。其核心理念是將「驚喜」與「情感價值」融入消費行為中。即使消費者未獲得最初想要的物品，仍能帶著值得留存的美好紀念離開，讓整體體驗更加完整且滿足。我們設計了收藏型扭蛋，內含象徵不同國家的迷你公仔，以及可在合作飲品店兌換的折價券。這樣不僅增添了收集樂趣，還提供了實際的優惠回饋。
Looking ahead, we envisioned potential themed series such as a “World Beverages Collection” or “City Collection.” Although our proposal was well-received by the professors, we later reflected that the final outcome leaned too heavily toward a commercial model, inadvertently diluting our original goal of conveying tea culture. This experience taught me a valuable lesson: in design projects, it is crucial to remain anchored to the core concept. Creative formats and business models should serve to amplify the message—not overshadow it.	展望未來，我們設想了多種主題系列，如 「世界飲品系列」 或 「城市系列」。雖然我們的提案獲得教授們的好評，但事後反思時，我們發現成果過於傾向商業模式，反而削弱了原本傳遞茶文化的初衷。這次經驗讓我學到一個重要的教訓：在設計專案中，必須堅守核心理念。創意形式與商業模式應該服務於理念本身，而不是喧賓奪主。
2. Cultural Experience and Exchange	2. 文化體驗與交流
One of the most memorable moments occurred during our field research day. Although we were staying in different hotels, we agreed to meet at Ikebukuro, one of Tokyo’s most iconic destinations for capsule toy machines. It was my first time taking the subway alone to an unfamiliar location. I clutched my route map and ticket tightly, repeatedly checking station names for fear of missing my stop. The mix of recorded announcements and the rumble of the train quickened my heartbeat. Yet, when the train arrived at Ikebukuro right on schedule and I stepped out into a bustling street filled with shops and crowds, my nervousness quickly turned into excitement.	在實地田野調查的那一天，我經歷了此次旅程中最難忘的時刻之一。雖然我們分別住在不同的飯店，但事先約好在池袋碰面，這裡是東京最具代表性的扭蛋機聚集地之一。那是我第一次獨自搭乘地鐵前往陌生的地方，我緊緊握著路線圖和車票，不斷確認站名，生怕錯過該下車的站點。車廂內播報聲與列車的轟鳴交錯，使我的心跳不自覺加快。然而，當列車準時抵達池袋，我踏入那條擁擠熱鬧、滿是商店與人潮的街道時，緊張感瞬間轉化為興奮。
Inside the shopping complex, we found ourselves surrounded by endless rows of capsule machines. Their vibrant designs and diverse themes attracted customers of all ages. We closely observed consumer behavior, carefully noting design elements that could inspire our project. Initially, we considered adopting an approach similar to miniature sample packaging used by cosmetic brands—placing tea bags inside the capsules so customers could enjoy the fragrance immediately upon opening. However, after researching local regulations, we discovered that Japanese law prohibits placing food directly inside capsule machines. This unexpected constraint prompted us to pivot quickly, shifting our focus toward cultural symbolism and collectible value instead.	進入商場後，映入眼簾的是一排又一排的扭蛋機，其繽紛的設計與多元的主題吸引著各個年齡層的顧客。我們仔細觀察消費者行為，並詳細記錄值得借鑑的設計元素。起初，我們曾考慮借鑑化妝品品牌常用的迷你試用品包裝形式，將茶包放入扭蛋中，讓顧客在打開時即可聞到茶香。然而，經過研究當地法規後，我們發現日本法律禁止將食品直接放入扭蛋機內。這項限制促使我們迅速調整方向，將設計重心轉向文化象徵與收藏價值。
This experience not only deepened our understanding of the local market but also enriched our cultural exchange. Through conversations, we explored how each country interprets and adapts traditional culture in modern contexts, and how market regulations and consumer preferences subtly yet profoundly influence design decisions.	這段經歷不僅讓我們更深入地理解當地市場，也使我們的文化交流更加深刻。透過討論，我們學習到不同國家如何在現代情境中詮釋並轉化傳統文化，同時也體會到市場規範與消費者偏好如何在不知不覺間深刻地影響設計決策。
3. Personal Reflections	3. 個人反思
Although the trip was brief, it left me with lasting lessons and memories.	雖然這趟旅程短暫，卻為我留下了深刻的收穫與回憶。
First, it allowed me to form genuine friendships across borders. We connected not only through our collaborative work but also through daily interactions—sharing personal stories, laughter, and even making a heartfelt promise to reunite at the next Asia Link.	首先，它讓我建立了跨越國界的真摯友誼。我們不僅在專案合作中緊密連結，更在日常相處中分享彼此的故事與笑聲，甚至相約在下一屆 Asia Link 重逢。
Second, I learned to respect and appreciate diverse cultural perspectives. During my ten days in Japan, I gradually adapted to local etiquette and daily habits. At the same time, I was deeply impressed by how Japanese designers approach both graphic and interactive design with meticulous attention to detail, reflecting a mindset of precision and craftsmanship that broadened my own understanding of design.	其次，我學會了尊重並欣賞多元的文化觀點。在日本的十天裡，我逐漸適應當地的禮儀與生活習慣。同時，我對日本設計師在平面設計與互動設計中所展現的細緻入微的專注感到由衷佩服。這份對細節的重視，不僅展現了精緻的工藝精神，也擴展了我對設計的視野與理解。
Finally, I gained valuable insights into teamwork and leadership. Our team leader, a senior student from my university, demonstrated remarkable skill in integrating everyone’s ideas into a coherent plan. Watching how they guided and inspired the group motivated me to one day become a person who can lead, unify, and nurture a creative team.	最後，我獲得了關於團隊合作與領導力的重要啟發。我們小組的組長是一位學長，他能巧妙整合每位成員的想法，將分散的構思串連成完整的計畫。他的領導與激勵使我深受啟發，也讓我期許自己未來能成為一位能夠引領、凝聚並培養創意團隊的人。
This journey not only enhanced my professional growth but also left me with cherished memories shared with teammates, professors, senior students, and roommates. I believe these experiences will continue to nourish and inspire me, guiding my future path as a designer committed to creating meaningful and culturally resonant work.	這段旅程不僅促進了我的專業成長，也留下了與隊友、教授、學長及室友共同擁有的珍貴回憶。我相信，這些經歷將持續滋養並激勵我，陪伴我在設計道路上前行，並驅使我創作出更具文化意涵與深度的作品。

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